Horowhenua Te Mahere Hauora Health and Wellbeing Plan 2018-2023 He Mihi Greetings
Kua hau mai te rongo he ao hou kei te waihangatia e tātou. Arā, he ao hou e noho nei ko te tangata e tino ora ana, ko te hauora te tino aronga, ko te whai whakaaro o tētahi ki tētahi, ahakoa ko wai, ahakoa nō hea. Nau mai e hika mā ki tēnei whakaaro kua marara ki ngā tōpito katoa o Horowhenua. Nei te mihi kau ake o Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua. Ka tukua ko ngā waiora o ngā wai kaukau e kawe atu i ēnei kupu ki ngā kāinga katoa o Horowhenua. The word is out there a new world being created. A new world where everyone is very healthy and health is the focus, along with thoughtful to each other, regardless of who or where we are from. So welcome to this new perspective being dispersed to all corners of the Horowhenua district. This is an unconditional greeting from Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua. Let us leave it the healthy waters of bathed by the ancestors to convey these words to all homes of Horowhenua.
He Kupu Whakataki Foreword To achieve Quality Living – Healthy Lives – Well Communities we need to think and work differently. We want nothing but the best health care, and the best health and wellbeing for everyone. Every day in our communities people face a range of challenges; some live with mental illness, some live with a chronic disease, others may become acutely unwell and need emergency care. Thinking beyond health, some live in cold, damp houses, some may experience violence, and others struggle to afford the everyday costs of living. Health and its partners need to work together as one team, taking a more collaborative approach so that we can achieve better health outcomes for our communities. This also means partnering with individuals, accepting them as experts in their own health and in their own lives.
2 Ngā Rautaki What strategies guide the Health and Wellbeing Plan? The strategic intentions guiding this Health and Wellbeing Plan for the Horowhenua District are our Strategic Imperatives: • Partner with people to support health and wellbeing • Connect and transform primary, community and specialist care • Achieve quality and excellence by design • Achieve equity of access across communities, and Our Vision...
Te Mahere Hauora Horowhenua District Health and Wellbeing Plan The Horowhenua District Health and Wellbeing Plan has two parts; Locality Approach: This outlines the approach taken, what we did and how we did it. It highlights the key findings at each stage, providing a snapshot of Horowhenua District’s population and their strengths and challenges in regards to health and wellbeing. Plan of Action: This section looks at what can be done to improve the priority areas identified by the Horowhenua District community. Each of the four priority areas has a series of actionable steps that are intended to be carried out within a five-year time frame. The Health and Wellbeing Plan aims to make a positive contribution to the health outcomes of the Horowhenua District. It will be used to make changes necessary to continuously improve our health system, as part of the wider heath sector and social services network. The Plan places Horowhenua District residents and their families/whānau at the centre of planning decisions and design to best meet the needs of the community.
3 Part 1 Locality Approach
He Whakarongo Ki Te Hapori Listening To The Community We need to better understand our communities, people’s lifestyles, their health needs, their experience of care and what their priorities are. Understanding our communities will enable us to work in partnership with them to better design services that meet that community and its people’s needs. A locality approach: • provides a voice for communities; acknowledging different needs, cultures and priorities. • places people, families/whānau at the centre of planning decisions and design to best meet the needs of their community. Providing local solutions for local issues. • engages with other sectors in common community health and wellbeing agendas to reduce inequity and improve health outcomes. • helps to develop active partnerships with people, communities and other agencies who work within or across health at all levels. • will help inform investment decisions and provide focus for future planning. • acknowledges that health and wellbeing is affected by many factors, including the environment, housing and employment.
What is a locality? A locality is a defined geographical area. In this case it is the area within the Horowhenua District Council boundary. This plan encompasses all people who usually live in this area (not just those enrolled with local general practice teams). Health and Wellbeing plans have also been developed for other localities (based on TLA boundaries) within the MidCentral DHB area. Plans for the Tararua District, Manawatū District and the Ōtaki ward of the Kāpiti District are complete with a Palmerston North City plan under development.
What will be the impact for people and communities? • Health care that is flexible, responsive and adaptive to meet their needs. • People receiving health care services delivered on time and closer to home where possible. • People will have positive experiences of care from a joined-up health system. • The health and wellbeing of all people in the community will be improved as a result of collaborative work between health, social services and community agencies.
Building upon existing work It is important to acknowledge other plans and strategies that have been done in the Horowhenua District. Documents, such as the Horowhenua District Council Community Wellbeing Strategy, were used to inform our planning process.
4 Nā wai i āwhina? Who helped to guide and support this plan? A Local Advisory Group was established to guide and support the locality planning process. It was important to have local leaders, who reside within the Horowhenua District, to guide the process as they have an in- depth knowledge of the best way to engage with a diverse range of people within their community. Representation at the Local Advisory Group • Horowhenua District Council • Muaūpoko Tribal Authority • Non Government Organisations • Consumer • Horowhenua Health Centre • Central PHO • Raukawa Whānau Ora Services • Child, Youth and Women’s Health Portfolio Manager for MidCentral District Health Board • Public Health • Other health and social services
Te hanga Mahere Creating the Plan Creating a Health and Wellbeing Plan for the Horowhenua District involved three main stages.
These were: Population Health Intelligence 1) gathering population intelligence and health information 2) community engagement health & Community Engagement 3) establishing priorities and actions for service provision wellbeing plan Service Provision
Horowhenua Tangata, Horowhenua Hauora Population Intelligence and Health information • Information and data was gathered about the population of the Horowhenua District and research was undertaken, including analysis of current and previous strategies and plans. • A district-wide Health Needs Assessment was completed.
So, what did we find? The following pages are a snapshot of some of the interesting data and information gathered about the population of the Horowhenua District.
5 HOROWHENUA POPULATION SNAPSHOT
Horowhenua Population from 2018 Census 33,261 24.7% were 65 years and over. This is compared to 15.2% nationally. 24.7% 65 years and 18.3% were 0-14 years. This is compared over to 19.6% nationally.
Of people in the Horowhenua District are considered to be living in high deprivation (decile 9 & 10). 45% This equates to 14,982 people.
Higher levels of deprivation are associated with higher mortality rates and higher rates of many diseases, as well as social problems such as crime, family violence, disengagement from education and risk-taking behaviours.
In the 2018 Census: 8% of households in the Horowhenua District had no motor vehicle and 22% of households had no access to the internet.
Sources: Statistics NZ 2018 Census, NZ Deprivation Index – Otago University, educationcounts.govt.nz, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Rental Bond Data. 6 Mātāwaka Ethnicity
In Horowhenua: • 24.5% of residents identify as Māori • 5.7% of residents identify as Pasifika 24.5% • 4.1% of residents identify as Asian • 81% of residents identify as European • 1.6% identify as Other Ethnicities Māori
Note: Where a person reported more than one ethnic group, they were counted in each applicable group.
Te Kāinga Housing 69.4% Home ownership rates in Horowhenua are above the national average (2018 Census). 69.4% of households own their own own their dwelling in the Horowhenua District compared to 64.5% nationally. own home
The average weekly rent in Horowhenua increased by $59 or 23% between January 2018 and January 2020. This is compared to an 23% increase of $40 or 10% nationally. INCREASE Mātauranga Education
The increase for all Māori school leavers 37-65% with NCEA level 2 or above from 2009 - 2018.
The increase for all school leavers with 55-73% NCEA level 2 or above from 2009 - 2018 Pūtea Income
In 2018, 59.9% of people aged 15 years and over had an annual personal income of $30,000 or less.
7 Ngā Ratonga Services
This section lists some of the key health services for Horowhenua District residents. For a more comprehensive list of services in the district please refer to www.healthpoint.co.nz Horowhenua Health Centre: 62 Liverpool Street, Levin Services provided include: • 20 bed hospital ward, Horowhenua Health Centre Stats (2016): • 4 maternity beds,
• General practice and community services, 4,627 People attended Outpatients clinics in Levin • Day surgery and dental procedures, Clinicians provided 814 Adults with Mental 12 • Outpatient Clinics provided by 45 specialists, Health Services and Support • 3 chair dialysis, 35 Nurses provided 33,000 consults • Child, Adolescent and Family Service (CAFS) 6 GP’s provided 101,000 consults People received extra support from GP Teams Mental Health and Addiction Service, 9,200 for their Long Term Conditions • 5-day-a-week x-ray and ultrasound, 5,300 Afterhours GP appointments • 5-day-a-week MedLab, • Horowhenua Community Practice.
Other Services include: • Horowhenua After Hours Service, 7 days (6pm until 8pm) • Raukawa Whānau Ora Health Service – a kaupapa Māori iwi health provider delivering a range of services specifically for Māori but not excluding non-Māori. • 4 GP practices open Monday to Friday (Cambridge St Medical Centre, Masonic Medical Centre, Queen St Surgery, Tararua Medical Centre). • Youth One Stop Shop Horowhenua provides a free health service for 10 – 24 year olds Monday – Wednesday. • 4 Pharmacies. • 8 Rest Homes provide 432 beds. • School Based Health services are provided for Decile 3 Secondary Schools, the Teen Parenting Unit and Alternative Education Providers.
Attendances at Horowhenua Health Centre Outpatients Clinics by Horowhenua people in 2016
Clinic Attendees ElderHealth 583 Medical 1,013 Paediatric 479 Cancer 506 Rehab Surgical 1,487 Women’s Health 559 Total 4,627
8 Horowhenua District Services
Services in Foxton include: • Te Waiora Community Health Services provide a general practice team Monday – Friday. • Best Care (Whakapai Hauora) Charitable Trust provides mobile primary health care nurse services. • 1 Pharmacy. • 2 Rest Homes provide 70 beds. • The High School has school based health services.
Other Services in the District include: • Te Waiora Community Health Services run a clinic in Shannon three days a week. • Raukawa Whānau Ora Health Service are able to deliver mobile services throughout the district to homes, marae, kōhanga reo, community venue, one of the base clinics or venues deemed appropriate. • Muaūpoko Tribal Authority provide Whānau Ora services in the district. • Best Care (Whakapai Hauora) Charitable Trust provide Māori Health services in the district including a mobile primary health care nurse services in Shannon and Foxton Beach. • Central PHO has an office in Levin and provides primary health care services across the district. • Various providers deliver Child Health Services in the district, including: Pregnancy and Parenting Services, Well Child Services, Oral Health Services and Outreach Immunisation Services.
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral District Health Board (DHB) MidCentral DHB is the organisation responsible for providing publicly-funded hospital and public health services for our population. The DHB has a vision to ensure people in the region experience quality living and healthy lives as they thrive in well communities. The DHB is currently adopting an integrated service model which organises services into seven clusters based on population groups and service areas. This arrangement links different levels of healthcare so a patient’s journey between primary, specialist and hospital care is simple and seamless. It aims to increase consumers’ involvement in healthcare at all levels, supporting them with wrap-around care to meet their personal needs and those of their family and whānau. Clusters will be responsible for planning, commissioning Horowhenua District Residents visiting and delivering services with partners from within health Palmerston North Hospital: and from other sectors while also supporting greater 7,206 Horowhenua District residents presented to clinician engagement and removing some of the layers ED in 2016 and 2,746 were admitted of bureaucracy. The DHB aims to work as one team across our district to improve health equity for the Attendances at Palmerston North Outpatients Clinics by people from the Horowhenua District in 2016 communities it serves. Clinic Attendees ElderHealth 56 Medical 8,670 Paediatric 451 Cancer 5,183 Rehab 15 Surgical 12,235 Women’s Health 1,246 Total 27,856
9
StageKōrero 2: Tahi Kōrero Community Tahi I Community Engagement Engagement • A three- month-long engagement process was undertaken to ensure residents had adequate time and • opportunityA three-month to provide- long feedback engagement and co-designprocess was the undertaken plan. to ensure residents had adequate ngagement • Feedbacktime and was opportu receivedto ensurenity from residentsto provide over 465 had feedback residents. adequate and through co-design a variety the ofplan mediums.. . of the • • FourFeedback key Priority was Areas received for improvement from over 465 were residents identified through using a thematical variety of analysismediums of. the feedback. analysis Communitywas E undertaken • • Three Four main-design key areas Priority the a of varietyplan focus Areas underof for mediums improvement each Priority werewere identified fromusing the thematical feedback. analysis of the thematical feedback. . Place Holder l using residents• Three through main areas of focus under each Priority were and identified -long engagement processFeedback was received from across the Horowhenua Stage 2: month nity to provide feedbackDistrict. andfrom Theco thepin feedbackpoints represent. the spread of, meetings locations we - from over 200 A three received feedback from. • workshops Feedback was recieved from across the Horowhenua District. The pin time and opportu was received 258 surveysriority were were completed identified fromand more the feedback than 212 people points represent the spread of locations we received feedback from. Feedback attended variousattended workshops various and forums. • Four key Priority. Areas for improvement were people identified • 258 surveys 80 were completed and more than 212 people attended feedback Methods of engagement: main areas of focus undermorevarious each than P workshops and forums. Mail Three - Community workshops Ōtaki - Online surveys • completed and - Newsletters distributed to a wide database - A display at Te Takere were Articles in the - Surveys left at various locations - Rural Delivery mail out surveys Online surveysvarious locations 120 Methods of engagement . - Posters in various locations - Social media forums Posters inedia engagement - MidCentral DHB Website - Horowhenua Chronicle of Community Workshops Social m Advertised within the Horowhenua - Option to email or phone Project Manager directly Methods a wideChronicle database people to seek
Newsletters distributed to wide database Online surveys
Community workshops Surveys left at various locations A display at Te Takere various locations We attendedanager a directly number of meetings and engaged with many groups and people to seek further feedback Newsletters distributed to left at Postersincluding: in various locations Rural Delivery mail out Surveys DHB Website MidCentral DHB Website Social Media • Horowhenua Disability Leadership Forum, MidCentral Option• Youth to email Voice, or phone Project Manager directly Option to email or phone Project M • Older Person Network, We• attendedYouth Network, a number of meetings and engaged, with many groups and people to seek attendees included representatives including:further• Local feedback Management( , including: Group, We attended a number • ofHorowhenua meetings andChildren’s engaged Team, with many groups and as well as over ten community speaking organisations,with residents service providers and further feedback • HorowhenuaHorowhenua Wellbeing Disability Executive, Leadership Forum, Library , • Raukawa), Whanau Ora Ltd, Two Community workshops, Youth Voice Ōtaki, • Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, , from the community • HorowhenuaOlder Person Community Network ,Open forums, government agenciesāpiti District visoryCouncil Group Mayor • DiabetesYouthK NZNetwork Horowhenua, , branch. Half a day was spent at the LocalK piti ManagementHealth Ad Group, Meeting with the Medical Centre HorowhenuaŌtaki Children’s Team, Meeting with Horowhenua Wellbeing Executive, Meeting with Raukawa Whanau Ora Ltd, Te Puna Oranga Board. Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Horowhenua Community Open forums,
Diabetes NZ Horowhenua branch.
10 11
11
Rapu Whakaaro Seeking Answers
Ngā pātai What we asked The key questions we put to the community were: • what works well in your community to keep people healthy and well? • what are the key issues/challenges affecting the health and wellbeing of your community? • what actions could be taken to improve the health and wellbeing of your community? Below is a list of the strengths that were highlighted by the people of the Horowhenua District and the following two pages summarise the key messages that came through in regards to the challenges faced and how improvements could be made.
Ngā Huapai Strengths • Great local assets: Te Takere, swimming pools, beaches and adventure playground. • Many passionate and committed local people working in a paid and voluntary capacities who get things done. • Health Shuttles which are essential for people overcoming transport and distance barriers. • Active local Council with a strong community wellbeing focus. • Lots of community clubs and local groups that provide a valued sense of connection and support. • Strong advocacy networks for priority groups including youth, disability and older people. • Great youth services; YOSS, Teen Parent Unit, Life to the Max, Blake House and more. • Horowhenua Health Centre delivering health services in the community, after hours services and hospital (although these services are limited). • Green space, recreation and sporting opportunities. • Two strong and active Iwi offering culturally appropriate support services for people and whānau. • Active Community Patrol and volunteers. • Visible and trusted Police staff who really care about the community. • Strong rural communities supporting each other. • Operating Marae in Levin, Ōtaki, Shannon, Foxton, Ohau and Manakau. • A wide range of community services.
Ngā Whakaaro Common Themes With over 465 people engaging in this process, it is important to note that many different strengths and challenges were identified. The themes identified were based on most commonly stated challenges for residents of the Horowhenua District.
11 what people said...
“The Health Shuttle is a real lifeline – so many people have no other way of getting to “I’m so proud of our Iwi - appointments.” they turn nobody away and are tirelessly walking beside Whānau every day making them stronger, confident and “My boy hurt his arm at rugby. We “There are so many caring more connected.” and talented people in this had to go to Palmy because it was a community – grandparents, Saturday and Levin was closed. We retired professionals and keen had to get a babysitter for the other gardeners who could help those kids – borrow my sisters car. Too struggling if we had a way.” much stress. It shouldn’t be like that.”
“If only people involved in my healthcare would speak to each other and work together.”
“Don’t bring us big city ideas - “We need more after hours ask us what’s important, what and weekend GP hours – we need and how you can getting to Palmerston North make a difference here.” if you can then waiting for Horowhenuahours just isn’t tika.” “You might think I’m retired and have all the spare time in the world, but making me travel “I’m confident, educated and to Palmerston North for silly persistent – who knows how appointments or things I should be anyone vulnerable or without able to do in Levin just isn’t on.” support manages to find their way through the mental health system.” “Yeah it’s only 35kms to Palmerston North from here – but in my truck it feels “Waiting for over a week to see like twice that far and isn’t the GP then telling my story cheap either.” to yet another new person is frustrating and doesn’t fill me with any confidence.” “It costs me $36 to see the doctor. That’s my kids’ breakfasts and lunches for a week. I’d have to be pretty sick. ”
12 MidCentral DHB Well communities Whakahokinga Kōrero Common Themes from our community engagement
Reduce the impact of time, distance and transport on access to the More support is needed for health services we need. carers looking after their elderly, disabled or vulnerable family members. Deliver more health services in our communities closer to home. Mental Health and Addiction are a real concern in our community. Improve easy access to local community mental health support – earlier, without waiting and in the Encourage and support healthy and communities where we live. active living for everyone. Reduce the presence and impact of drugs on our community, especially Communicate clearly, openly and young people and vulnerable often – to build and maintain a families. relationship with us. Reduce the total cost of healthcare – especially for the elderly and our Allow me to build and maintain a most vulnerable. trusted relationship with my GP team. Reduce the impact of family violence in our community. Improve our ability to get a GP appointment when needed. Reduce the impact of isolation - especially for rural families and the elderly. Ensure people involved in my health and wellness work as one team. Improve the quality, affordability and availability of rental accommodation. Improve our awareness of local services available and how to access them.
13 He tāutu huarahi Identifying Priorities Priority areas were identified through a second round of engagement. We went back out to the Horowhenua District community with the common themes identified after the initial engagement and asked: 1) what are the top 4 priorities? 2) within these priority areas, what should we focus on first? The top four identified priorities through this process were: Community Priority #1 Access to Healthcare Easy access to Healthcare when people need it Community Priority #2 Mental Health and Addiction Improved Mental Health and Addiction support in communities Community Priority #3 Better Communication and Connection A district that has quality communications and connections between health services, people, whānau and communities Community Priority #4 Healthy Living A well community where everyone is supported to have quality living and healthy and active lives
It is interesting to note that in developing Health and Wellbeing Plans for other localities within the MidCentral District area (Tararua District, Manawatū District and Ōtaki) the identified main priority areas were consistent, however, there were differences in the focus areas within these priority areas.
Part 2 Mahia te Mahi Plan of Action
So, what can we do? The following pages summarise the four identified priority areas for the Horowhenua District and the plan of actions for each priority area. The plan takes a one to five year approach and focuses on how health and its partners can work together to make improvements within these priority areas.
Updates to the Plan of Action Additional actions will continue to be added to the plan as they are developed. An updated Plan of Action and a dashboard report of progress can be found in the ‘Locality Planning’ section of the MidCentral DHB website, www.midcentraldhb.govt.nz.
14 Community Priority: Access to Healthcare
Common things heard from Horowhenua District residents:
“People are frustrated at having to travel to Palmerston North “Distance, time for a 10 minute and cost are “There are appointment at the barriers to getting limited services for hospital.” healthcare.” outlying and beach communities. Are there “People really ways technology could appreciate the be used to help these health shuttle communities?” service as so many “It often takes far people have no other too long to get an way of getting to appointment with a appointments.” doctor.”
What does the community want us to focus on first?
People being able to get help when they Improving people’s access to Health working together as one team need it hospital and specialist care Improve the ability for health services to work Improve people’s ability to access General Provide more “People Focused” systems, together supporting people’s health journey. Practice teams in a timely manner. and provide easier access to specialists Work in partnership with communities and Reduce barriers of time, distance and travel for where appropriate. consumers when designing healthcare. rural communities accessing care.
What will health and its partners do and how will it make a difference over the next 1- 5 years?
Improving Access Improve hospital booking systems Improve people’s experience of • Enable people to be treated in their own • People’s circumstances (such as locality healthcare home and community through promotion and family/whānau responsibilities) will • People will be better supported by of the Urgent Community Care service be taken into consideration by more health providers who can access the available in the Horowhenua through St flexible hospital booking systems. notes they need through improved IT John. systems. • Pilot new models of healthcare delivery Providing phone or online consult • Locality-based teams will be put in place to meet demand including working with options to help address the unique needs of the Māori/Iwi providers. • People will be provided with options of a community. • People (particularly in rural communities) consult over the phone or online where • A DHB digital strategy is being will be able to connect more with health appropriate for follow-up specialist developed to identify priority areas for services through improved technology (eg appointments. This will be piloted with improvement, ensuring people and virtual consults). some hospital specialist areas first. whānau have a more connected health journey by services working together as • People in need will be able to get • appointments easier through new systems, Improve the Emergency Department one team. which include GP triaging. • People feel better informed about their • People attending Palmerston North • General Practices will increase the number health by making it easier for them to Hospital’s Emergency Department will find of consultations over the phone or online access their health information through a more welcoming environment as the which will save people time and travel costs. improved technology. reception and waiting areas are improved • People will be able to use online tools to get (2018/2019). • People will have more choice by repeat prescriptions, make appointments increasing awareness of what different • Patients will have improved privacy in and receive test results. health professionals can do and which redeveloped Emergency Department triage service to choose when. Eg your rooms. Support for older people pharmacist may be able to give you your flu shot. • Older adults will be able to attend workshops • • There will be more opportunities to to learn how to use patient portals to get repeat provide feedback, which will be used to prescriptions, make appointments and receive constantly improve health services. The test results. Consumer Council will be involved in the design of this. • 15 Community Priority: Mental Health and Addiction
Common things heard from Horowhenua District residents:
“Isolation in our community is a growing concern, “Access to especially for our services in a aging population timely manner “Mental Health and rural can be a real and Addiction in our communities.” challenge.” “There community is a real is a strong concern, we all need focus on youth to work together to support people.” and a number of “Our fantastic initiatives communities and services in place are not aware of to support them existing services that are having and how to access a positive them.” impact.”
What does the community want us to focus on first?
People being able to find help when Services working together Reduce Isolation they need it Health and its partners working together Better support and connect with isolated Increase knowledge of mental health and more to support the local community. people and whānau, especially older adults. addiction support available in communities so that it is easier to find and access.
What will health and its partners do and how will it make a difference over the next 1- 5 years?
Providing services in more Collaboration Supporting Older Adults accessible ways • Work will be done together with schools, • Improve older adults wellbeing by • People will have better access to care not for profit organisations and Iwi to working with and supporting the through more tele-health appointments reduce the supply of alcohol to those less Horowhenua District Council with The with mental health - reducing the barriers of than 18 years of age. “Horowhenua Positive Ageing Action time, cost and distance. • People will be able to see how all services Plan” and “Project Lift”. • Better support for communities locally by work and where they should seek help • Promote the caring caller initiative by St having a Suicide Prevention Local Response and support through the promotion of a John. Caring Caller is a service that St team in place in the district. This involves service mapping document. John provides for people who live alone local agencies working collectively as one • or feel a bit lonely. team. Youth Development • • The Mates and Dates programme will be Supporting Rural Communities Increase visibility and awareness of available and promoted to local secondary • People who go out into isolated services and resources schools, helping our youth build healthy communities will receive training and relationships. support to help them recognise the • Mental Health and Addiction Services signs of depression and help isolated will be more visible in our community as • Health will work with other agencies and vulnerable people to seek help the DHB develop a relevant and modern in linking our vulnerable youth to when needed. Health will work in communications strategy. employment opportunities and work experience. partnership with Rural Support Services • People will be more easily able to find to achieve this. information on alcohol and drugs through a • more coordinated and modern approach to how information is distributed. • Promote the online directory of Mental Health and Addiction Services, linking services and people to what is available in the community and how to access them.
16 Community Priority: Better Communication and Connections
Common things heard from Horowhenua District residents:
“Many people “Communication don’t know what’s from the hospital is available in the “There are lots of community.” often not very people “We are a great things happening in health and the friendly; it can be strong active difficult to understand community community but we never get to hear about where you need to go and would like and what you need to be included in them.” conversations when to do.” new services are being discussed.”
What does the community want us to focus on first?
Improving Communication Raising awareness of what is Increasing engagement and visibility Make correspondence more people friendly. available in the Horowhenua District Engage with local people when designing new and how to access it People feel well informed when coming to services for the Horowhenua District. hospital. Support the sharing of knowledge, Stronger health leadership and presence in the resources and skills across communities to Horowhenua District. increase awareness and empower people.
What will health and its partners do and how will it make a difference over the next 1- 5 years?
People-Friendly Communication Knowledge Sharing Finding local solutions to • Community members and the Consumer • People will be more up-to-date with local issues Council will be involved in the redesign of what’s happening in the Horowhenua • When designing a new health service correspondence so that communications community by ensuring communication in the Horowhenua District people, are clear and friendly. is distributed through: local newspapers, families/whānau will be placed at • People will receive more relevant social media channels, community the centre of planning decisions and information when attending a hospital committees and other key groups. design to best meet the needs of their appointment, including parking and shuttle • Local success stories and programmes communities. services. and initiatives that are working well in the • Feedback from Horowhenua District • People will be able to access the new PN Horowhenua District will be shared with residents about strengths, challenges Hospital Navigation App through increased the community. and areas of priority within the promotion of the App; helping people to • Identify opportunities to work with other community will be collected via at least navigate their way around the hospital. health agencies to increase awareness of one forum per year. • To ensure our communities are receiving what’s available in the community. • Feedback from the Horowhenua clear and people-friendly messaging • community locality project will be the DHB will continue to find new and People feel more informed used to help shape and support DHB innovative ways to communicate. • It will be easier for people to choose a planning and future services. service appropriate to their needs through • Opportunities for feedback both formal a website which offers reliable information and informal will be provided through on local and district health services. local General Practices • Communications from the DHB will be sent • out to community groups and providers Working together to achieve more on a more regular basis, with opportunities • Continue to be part of the Horowhenua for people to provide suggestions and Health and Wellbeing Executive - where feedback. we all work together on a common • agenda to tackle the bigger issues for the district. • Health will be aware of key issues for the Horowhenua by having a greater presence at key meetings. 17 Community Priority: Healthy Living
Common things heard from Horowhenua District residents:
“As our “We population ages have some we want to support great local our older adults to recreation areas stay well and live and facilities “There are lots healthy quality that bring people of passionate and lives within our committed people community.” together and “The help them stay doing good work in our cost and community services healthy.” “People accessibility of and community need to be rental housing, groups.” employment and the supported to environment have a make good choices, particularly our real impact on the youth so they health and wellbeing can grow to of people in our be healthy community.” adults.”
What does the community want us to focus on first?
Wider determinants of health Link local people to local activities Quality living for older adults Work alongside others to improve housing, Better link people to community initiatives Support older adults to stay well longer in their transport, employment opportunities and other so people can stay active, eat well and be own homes. factors that can have an impact on health and connected to their community. wellbeing.
What will health and its partners do and how will it make a difference over the next 1- 5 years?
Improve people’s wellbeing Creating a healthy and well Helping people stay well in their • A training programme for screening patients community own homes for family violence will be offered to all GP • Play a more active leadership role in • Older adults will be assisted to maintain practices who will support people to talk connecting community groups and their strength and balance and about and seek help for family violence. services; as collectively they can have remain independent through in-home • Identify and increase support for adult a greater impact on the wellbeing of strength and balance exercise support literacy programmes within Horowhenua. community members. starting in the Horowhenua District • People will be more aware of the financial • in 2018. Community groups will also support that is available to them and how Increasing healthy eating and be supported to provide strength and to access it, through workshops run in active living balance classes for older people. partnership with other organisations in • People working with older adults in the • Schools will be encouraged to be a “Health Horowhenua. community will be kept up-to-date with Promoting School” where they partner the different types of support, services • The DHB will advocate, where appropriate, with their community to make positive and community activities available for positive changes in areas outside of steps to improve the health and wellbeing for older adults through an annual health which have a fundamental impact of students. on people’s health and wellbeing within the workshop. They will then be able to • Encourage more kids to ride bikes, by Horowhenua District. link the people they are working with to advocating to Council for a bike in schools relevant things in the community. • The compassion housing project in Levin programme and encourage schools to • A pilot programme will provide will continue to be supported through adopt it. connections with community housing continuity of care at home for older • health services. adults as it provides inhome respite for carers who are looking after their • The DHB will advocate for change in the partners. This also supports the health National Travel Assistance Policy to help and wellbeing of carers by giving them a make the process for registering and break from their full-time carer role. claiming travel expenses easier. • Quality of life for older people will be enhanced through ‘Project Lift’. The DHB will continue to work with the council and other agencies on the goals of this project. • 18
Mehemea he pātai, whakapā mai ki a mātou For any enquiries please contact us at: Email: [email protected] Visit our website www.midcentraldhb.govt.nz Phone 06 356 9169